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Article II — Establishment of Zones, and Limiting the Uses of Land Therein

Norwalk Municipal Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Norwalk

§ 17.01.070. Names of zones—Zoning symbols.

In order to classify, regulate, restrict and segregate the uses of land and buildings, to regulate and restrict the height and bulk of buildings, and, to regulate the area of yards and other open spaces about buildings, and to regulate the density of population, the following zoning classifications are established by this title:

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Zoning
Chapter Symbol Designation
17.03.210 SD 1 Special Sign District No. 01
17.08, Art. II PF Public Facilities Zone
17.08, Art. III O-S Open-Space Zone
17.05, Art. I R-1 Single-Family Residential Zone
17.05, Art. II R-2 Multifamily Medium Density Residential Zone
17.05, Art. III R-3 Multifamily High Density Residential Zone
17.05, Art. IV R-H Residential-Horse Property Zone
17.06, Art. I C-1 Restricted Commercial Zone
17.06, Art. IV C&O Commercial and Office Zone
17.06, Art. V P/O Professional/Office Zone
17.06, Art. II C-3 General Commercial Zone
17.06, Art. III C-M Commercial-Manufacturing Zone
17.07, Art. I M-1 Light Manufacturing Zone
17.07, Art. II M-2 Heavy Manufacturing Zone
17.09, Art. I SPA 1 Specific Plan Area No. 1, Hotel/Office/Accessory Commercial
Zone
17.09, Art. II SPA 2 Specific Plan Area No. 2,. Multiple-Family Residential Zone
17.09, Art. III SPA 3 Specific Plan Area No. 3,Multiple-Family Residential and
Commercial Zone
17.09, Art. IV SPA 4 Specific Plan Area No. 4, Townhouse Condominiums and
Accessory Uses Zone
17.09, Art. V SPA 5 Specific Plan Area No. 5, Multiple-Family Residential Zone
17.09, Art. VI SPA 6 Specific Plan Area No. 6, Multiple-Family Residential Zone
17.09, Art. VII SPA 7 Specific Plan Area No. 7, Townhouse Condominiums and
Accessory Uses Zone
17.09, Art. VIII SPA 8 Specific Plan Area No. 8, Commercial Office Zone
17.09, Art. IX SPA 9 Specific Plan Area No. 9, High Density Residential
Condominiums Town Homes
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City of Norwalk, CA

NORWALK CODE

§ 17.01.070

§ 17.01.100

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Zoning
Chapter Symbol Designation
17.09, Art. X SPA 10 Specific Plan Area No. 10, High Density Residential
Apartments
17.09, Art. XI SPA 11 Specific Plan Area No. 11, High Density Residential
Condominiums-Apartments
17.09, Art. XII SPA 12 Specific Plan Area No. 12, Norwalk Mini-Storage Facility
17.09, Art. XIII SPA 13 Specific Plan Area No. 13, Commercial Office and Hotel Zone
17.09, Art. XIV SPA 14 Specific Plan Area No. 14, High Density Residential
Apartments
17.09, Art. XV SPA 15 Specific Plan Area No. 15, Light Industrial, Neighborhood
Commercial and Open Space Zone
17.10, Art. I Planned Unit Development Zone
17.10, Art. II Planned Unit Development Zone No. 1, High Density
Residential Apartments
17.10, Art. III Planned Unit Development Zone No. 2, High Density
Residential Senior Citizens Apartments with Ancillary
Commercial Uses
17.10, Art. IV Planned Unit Development Zone No. 3, High Density
Residential Senior Citizen Housing Community
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(Prior code § 27-2.1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2; Ord. 23-1744, 12/5/2023; Ord. 24-1750, 10/1/2024)

§ 17.01.080. Establishment of zones by maps.

The location and boundaries of the various zones are as shown and delineated on the official zoning map which is on file in the office of the City Clerk and which by this reference is adopted and made a part of this code as if herein set forth in full; or by legal description in the ordinance adopting the zoning of any area.

(Prior code § 27-2.2; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

§ 17.01.090. Changes in boundaries.

Changes in the boundaries of the zones shall be made by ordinance adopting an amended zoning map, or part of the zoning map, or unit of a part of the zoning map, or by ordinance describing the area rezoned.

(Prior code § 27-2.3; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

§ 17.01.100. Uncertainty of boundaries.

Where uncertainty exists as to boundaries of any zone shown upon a zoning map or any part or unit thereof, the following rules for determination shall apply:

  • A. Where such boundaries are indicated as approximately following particular street and alley lines or lot lines, such lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.

  • B. In the case of unsubdivided property, and where a zone boundary divides a lot, the location

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City of Norwalk, CA

ZONING

§ 17.01.100

§ 17.01.140

of such boundaries, unless the same are indicated by dimensions or legal description, shall be determined by use of the scale appearing on the zoning map.

  • C. Where a public street or alley or any portion of a public street or alley is vacated or abandoned, the area comprising such vacated street or alley or portion thereof shall acquire the respective classifications of the abutting properties to which it reverts.

  • D. Areas of dedicated streets or alleys and railroad rights-of-way, other than such as are designated on the zoning map as being classified in one of the zones provided in this title, shall be deemed to be unclassified and, in the case of streets, permitted to be used only for purposes lawfully allowed and, in the case of railroad rights-of-way, permitted to be used solely for the purpose of accommodating tracks, signals, other operative devices and the movement of rolling stock.

  • E. Where uncertainties exist, the Commission may, by written decision, determine the location of a boundary, applying the rules stated herein wherever applicable.

  • (Prior code § 27-2.4; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

§ 17.01.110. Limitation of land use.

Except as provided in this title, no building shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed or structurally altered, nor shall any building or land be used for any purpose except as hereinafter specifically permitted in the zone in which such building or land is located. (Prior code § 27-2.5; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

§ 17.01.120. Definition of numbers following or preceding zoning symbols.

The minimum area of any lot or parcel of land or the minimum width of any lot or parcel of land, in any zone, may be established as different from that prescribed in the chapter describing the classification of the zone by the designating of such different area or width upon an official zoning map. The density (number of permitted dwelling units per acre) may be designated on maps and in texts as provided in subsection C of this section:

  • A. Where a number follows the zoning symbol, it shall mean the following areas:

    1. The number of square feet if such number is greater than 100.

    2. The number of acres if the number is less than 100.

  • B. Where a number precedes the zoning symbol, it shall mean the minimum permitted lot or parcel width in feet.

  • C. Where (00/AC) follows the zoning symbol, the number preceding /ac designates the maximum number of dwelling units permitted per acre.

  • (Prior code § 27-2.6; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

§ 17.01.130. Designation of overlay zones.

Whenever any area is placed in an overlay zone, the zoning symbol indicating the overlay zoning classification shall follow and be separated by a hyphen from the zoning symbol (including a number indicating minimum area) indicating the underlying zoning classification. (Prior code § 27-2.7; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

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City of Norwalk, CA § 17.01.140

NORWALK CODE

§ 17.01.160

§ 17.01.140. Official zoning map—Filing.

Copies of official zoning maps, certified by the City Clerk, shall be filed with the City Clerk and shall constitute a portion of the official record.

(Prior code § 27-2.8; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

§ 17.01.150. Amendments and changes to the zoning maps.

Amendments and changes to the official zoning maps shall be shown on official copies of the official zoning map in use by the Planning Commission and Building Official, within 30 days after such amendments or changes are effective. (Prior code § 27-2.9; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

§ 17.01.160. Zoning of annexed areas.

All land or territory annexed to the City shall, upon completion of annexation proceedings, continue to be classified in the same zone classification as it had immediately prior to annexation, except as herein otherwise provided, if such zone classification exists in this title. The official zoning maps shall thereupon be amended to indicate such land in its existing zone without additional procedure. If such zone classification does not exist in this title or if the Commission and Council determine as a part of the annexation proceedings that such existing zone is not appropriate, the Commission or Council shall initiate proceedings as provided in Section 17.02.290. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect the right of the Council or Commission to change such zone classification of annexed territory at any later date. (Prior code § 27-2.10; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

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City of Norwalk, CA

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▸Contents — Norwalk Municipal Code
Norwalk Municipal Code
  1. Title 1
  2. Title 2
  3. Chapter 2.08 — CITY COUNCIL
  4. Chapter 2.09 — CAMPAIGN FINANCE DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS AND STAT…
  5. Chapter 2.10
  6. Chapter 2.12 — OFFICERS BONDS
  7. Chapter 2.16 — PLANNING COMMISSION
  8. Chapter 2.18 — HOUSING AND BUILDING LOCAL APPEALS BOARD
  9. Chapter 2.20 — EMERGENCY SERVICES
  10. Chapter 2.24 — PERSONNEL SYSTEM
  11. Title 3
  12. Chapter 3.16 — PURCHASING SYSTEM
  13. Chapter 3.28 — Chapter 3.32 UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE UNIFOR…
  14. Chapter 3.04 — FISCAL PROCEDURES AND BUDGETING
  15. Chapter 3.08 — FUNDS
  16. Chapter 3.12 — CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST CITY
  17. Chapter 3.16 — PURCHASING SYSTEM
  18. Chapter 3.17 — PUBLIC PROJECTS
  19. Chapter 3.20 — BIDDING PROCEDURES
  20. Chapter 3.21
  21. Chapter 3.24 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
  22. Chapter 3.28 — UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX
  23. Chapter 3.30 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
  24. Chapter 3.32 — UNIFORM TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
  25. Chapter 3.40
  26. Chapter 3.42 — APPROVAL AND EXECUTION OF CONTRACTS
  27. Title 5
  28. Chapter 5.60 — MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS REGULATIONS
  29. Chapter 5.04 — INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
  30. Chapter 5.08 — BUSINESS LICENSES GENERALLY
  31. Chapter 5.12 — AMUSEMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT
  32. Chapter 5.16 — AUTOMOBILE REPOSSESSION
  33. Chapter 5.20 — BINGO
  34. Article I — General Provisions
  35. Article II
  36. Article III — Open Video Systems
  37. Article IV
  38. Article V — Definitions
  39. Article VI
  40. Chapter 5.28 — SPECIAL EVENTS AND BUSINESS EVENTS
  41. Chapter 5.32 — ESCORT BUREAUS
  42. Chapter 5.40 — MOTION PICTURES AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION
  43. Chapter 5.44
  44. Chapter 5.48 — PUBLIC DANCING, DANCE HALLS AND DANCE CLUBS
  45. Chapter 5.52
  46. Article I — Purpose and Definitions
  47. Article II — Massage Establishment Permit
  48. Article III — Massage Technician Permit
  49. Article IV
  50. Chapter 5.56 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE
  51. Article I — Alcoholic Beverages
  52. Article II — Billiard Rooms and Pool Halls
  53. Article IV — Cocktail Lounges and Bars
  54. Article V — Handbill Distribution
  55. Article VI — Fortunetelling Activities
  56. Chapter 5.64 — SIDEWALK VENDING
  57. Title 6
  58. Chapter 6.12 — ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS GENERALLY
  59. Chapter 6.04 — INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
  60. Chapter 6.08 — DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL
  61. Chapter 6.12 — ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS GENERALLY
  62. Chapter 6.28 — DANGEROUS AND VICIOUS ANIMALS
  63. Title 8
  64. Chapter 8.52 — WATER CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS
  65. Chapter 8.04 — COUNTY HEALTH CODE ADOPTED
  66. Chapter 8.08 — PUBLIC HEALTH LICENSES REGULATION ADOPTED
  67. Chapter 8.12 — ABANDONED AND INOPERABLE VEHICLES
  68. Chapter 8.16 — CAPPING OF ABANDONED WELLS
  69. Chapter 8.24 — GRAFFITI REMOVAL
  70. Chapter 8.28 — LITTER AND WEED CONTROL
  71. Chapter 8.32 — OBSCENE FILMS AND MOTION PICTURES
  72. Chapter 8.36 — PROPERTY NUISANCES
  73. Chapter 8.40 — SHOPPING CART IMPOUND
  74. Chapter 8.44 — PROHIBITION ON SMOKING IN PUBLIC RECREATIONAL A…
  75. Article I — In General
  76. Article III — Collector Agreement
  77. Article IV — Rates
  78. Article VII
  79. Article VIII — Residential Collection and Recycling
  80. Article IX — Commercial/Industrial Collection
  81. Article X
  82. Chapter 8.50 — ORGANIC WASTE DISPOSAL REDUCTION
  83. Chapter 8.52
  84. Chapter 8.56 — VACANT PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND SECURITY REQUIR…
  85. Chapter 8.60
  86. Title 9
  87. Chapter 9.04 — OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE AND DECENCY
  88. Article II — Gambling and Certain Games
  89. Article IV — Fees for the Use of Sheriff Personnel
  90. Article V — Peddling Near Schools
  91. Article VI — Newsracks
  92. Chapter 9.08 — OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY
  93. Chapter 9.12 — CONSUMER PROTECTION
  94. Chapter 9.14 — GRAFFITI REDUCTION AND PREVENTION
  95. Chapter 9.16 — OFFENSES BY OR AGAINST MINORS
  96. Chapter 9.20 — CURFEW
  97. Chapter 9.24 — WEAPONS
  98. Chapter 9.26 — BAN ON SELF-SERVICE TOBACCO DISPLAYS
  99. Chapter 9.28
  100. Chapter 9.29 — CITY SKATE PARK FACILITIES
  101. Chapter 9.30 — SPEED CONTESTS OR EXHIBITIONS OF SPEED
  102. Chapter 9.31
  103. Title 10
  104. Chapter 10.12 — RESIDENTIAL PREFERENTIAL PARKING
  105. Chapter 10.16 — VEHICLE IMPOUND AND STORAGE FEES
  106. Chapter 10.04 — COUNTY TRAFFIC CODE ADOPTED
  107. Chapter 10.08 — PARKING REGULATIONS
  108. Chapter 10.09 — PARKING REGULATIONS FOR RECREATIONAL VEHICLES …
  109. Chapter 10.10
  110. Chapter 10.12 — RESIDENTIAL PREFERENTIAL PARKING
  111. Chapter 10.16 — VEHICLE IMPOUND AND STORAGE FEES
  112. Title 12
  113. Chapter 12.24 — NEWSRACKS
  114. Chapter 12.04 — IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS
  115. Chapter 12.08 — CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
  116. Article II — Alterations
  117. Article III — Painting Street and House Numbers
  118. Chapter 12.16 — OBSTRUCTIONS
  119. Chapter 12.20 — ENCROACHMENTS
  120. Chapter 12.24 — NEWSRACKS
  121. Chapter 12.28 — STREET VACATION
  122. Chapter 12.32 — TREES AND SHRUBS
  123. Chapter 12.36 — PARADES, ATHLETIC EVENTS AND ASSEMBLIES
  124. Chapter 12.40 — RECREATION AND PARKS
  125. Chapter 12.44 — CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
  126. Chapter 12.48
  127. Title 13
  128. Chapter 13.12 — COUNTY SANITARY SEWER AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE ORD…
  129. Article I — Administration of City Water Department
  130. Article II — Application for Water Service
  131. Article III — Installation, Maintenance and Inspection
  132. Article IV
  133. Article V
  134. Chapter 13.08 — CROSS CONNECTIONS
  135. Chapter 13.12
  136. Chapter 13.16 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY FACILITIES
  137. Article I — General Provisions and Definitions
  138. Article III
  139. Chapter 13.24 — REIMBURSEMENT FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
  140. Title 15
  141. Chapter 15.04 — BUILDING CODE
  142. Chapter 15.10 — WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
  143. Chapter 15.04 — BUILDING CODE
  144. Chapter 15.06 — RESIDENTIAL CODE
  145. Chapter 15.08 — FIRE CODE
  146. Chapter 15.10 — WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
  147. Chapter 15.12 — PLUMBING CODE
  148. Chapter 15.16 — ELECTRICAL CODE
  149. Chapter 15.20 — SWIMMING POOL CODE
  150. Chapter 15.24 — MECHANICAL CODE
  151. Chapter 15.26 — ENERGY CODE
  152. Chapter 15.28 — EXISTING BUILDING CODE
  153. Chapter 15.30 — GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
  154. Chapter 15.32 — ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
  155. Chapter 15.36 — HOUSE NUMBERING
  156. Chapter 15.40 — STREET DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS
  157. Chapter 15.44 — ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM
  158. Chapter 15.48 — FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
  159. Chapter 15.52 — SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS
  160. Chapter 15.54 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
  161. Title 16
  162. Chapter 16.01 — ADMINISTRATION
  163. Article II — Enforcement
  164. Article III — Vesting Tentative Map
  165. Article I — Exemptions and Waivers
  166. Chapter 16.03 — DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
  167. Article V
  168. Article VI — Voluntary Lot Mergers
  169. Article VII — Required Merger of Parcels
  170. Article I — Definitions and General Provisions
  171. Article I — Exemptions and Waivers
  172. Article II — Tentative Maps, Filing and Review Procedures
  173. Article III — Vesting Tentative Map
  174. Article IV — Final Maps
  175. Article V — Lot Line Adjustment
  176. Article VII — Required Merger of Parcels
  177. Article I — Dedications
  178. Title 17
  179. Chapter 17.05 — RESIDENTIAL ZONES
  180. Article VI
  181. Chapter 17.06 — COMMERCIAL ZONES
  182. Chapter 17.07 — MANUFACTURING ZONES
  183. Chapter 17.08 — SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONES
  184. Chapter 17.09 — SPECIFIC PLAN AREAS
  185. Article I — Specific Plan Area No. 1
  186. Article XII
  187. Article XIV — Specific Plan Area No. 14
  188. Article XV — Specific Plan Area No. 15
  189. Chapter 17.01 — ADMINISTRATION
  190. Article II — Establishment of Zones, and Limiting the Uses of …
  191. Article III — Permits, Licenses and Violations
  192. Article IV — Nonconforming Buildings and Uses
  193. Article I — Procedure, Hearing, Notices
  194. Article II — Consistency with Hazardous Waste Management Plan
  195. Article III — Acquisition and Use of Public-Owned Property
  196. Article IV — Administrative Approvals and Permits
  197. Article V — Discretionary Approvals and Permits
  198. Chapter 17.03 — DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
  199. Article II — Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements
  200. Article III — Signs
  201. Article IV — Structural and Site Requirements
  202. Article 0
  203. Article I — Specific Uses in Any Zone
  204. Article II — Specific Uses in Commercial and/or Manufacturing …
  205. Article III — Specific Uses in Residential Zones
  206. Article IV — Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
  207. Article V — General Standards
  208. Article VI — Mixed Use Developments
  209. Chapter 17.05 — RESIDENTIAL ZONES
  210. Article II — R-2 Zone, Multi-Family Medium Density Residential…
  211. Article III — R-3 Zone, Multi-Family High Density Residential …
  212. Article IV — R-H Zone, Residential Horse Property Zone
  213. Article V — R-4 Zone, Multi-Family High Density Residential Zone
  214. Chapter 17.06 — COMMERCIAL ZONES
  215. Article II — C-3 Zone, General Commercial Zone
  216. Article III — C-M Zone, Commercial Manufacturing Zone
  217. Article IV — C and O Zone, Commercial and Office Zone
  218. Article V — P/O Zone, Professional/Office Zone
  219. Chapter 17.07 — MANUFACTURING ZONES
  220. Article II — M-2 Zone, Heavy Manufacturing Zone
  221. Chapter 17.08 — SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONES
  222. Article II — P-F Zone, Public Facilities Overlay Zone
  223. Article III — O-S Zone, Open-Space Zone
  224. Article IV — I Zone, Institutional Zone
  225. Article V — L-W Overlay Zone, Live-Work Overlay Zone
  226. Article I — Specific Plan Area No. 1
  227. Article II — Specific Plan Area No. 2
  228. Article III — Specific Plan Area No. 3
  229. Article IV — Specific Plan Area No. 4
  230. Article V — Specific Plan Area No. 5
  231. Article VI — Specific Plan Area No. 6
  232. Article VII — Specific Plan Area No. 7
  233. Article VIII — Specific Plan Area No. 8
  234. Article IX — Specific Plan Area No. 9
  235. Article X — Specific Plan Area No. 10
  236. Article XI — Specific Plan Area No. 11
  237. Article XII — Specific Plan Area No. 12
  238. Article XIII — Specific Plan Area No. 13
  239. Article XIV — Specific Plan Area No. 14
  240. Article XV — Specific Plan Area No. 15
  241. Chapter 17.10 — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT ZONES
  242. Article II — Planned Unit Development Zone No. 1
  243. Article III — Planned Unit Development Zone No. 2
  244. Article IV — Planned Unit Development Zone No. 3
  245. Chapter 17.11 — ZONING APPENDICES
  246. Title 18
  247. Chapter 18.04 — STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND DISCHARGE CONTROL
  248. Title PCT
  249. Title OL

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